sueger

2 couples are planning a trip to Croatia in May/June 2018. We are starting in Dubrovnik then heading north to Split, Plitvice, Istria and Slovenia.
The drive from Dubrovnik to Split sounds wonderful but so does taking the ferry to Korkula and then the catamaran on to Split.
Which would you recommend?

kja

My recommendation is to take the bus from Dubrovnik to Split, as I <b>FAR</b> preferred the views <b>over</b> the water to the views <b>from</b> the water. I would NOT recommend driving that road, as the driver will not have the opportunity to enjoy some of the world's most magnificent scenery -- the road will require his/her attention. The buses are convenient and comfortable.

With a plan to go from Dubrovnik through Split, the Plitvice Lakes, Istria, and Slovenia, I trust you are planning for a trip of something on the order of 3 weeks? If less, I think you will need to make some difficult decisions...

mjs

I took the ferry one way and drove back. I think I preferred driving although getting stuck behind a bus is no fun. Nice to be able to stop when you want.

neckervd

There will most probably be neither ferries nor catamarans from Dubrovnik to Korcula in May. But there is a daily bus. Daily catamarans and passenger/car ferries from Korcula Island to Split. A stopover at Korcula is highly recommended.

sueger

I am thinking 4 nights in Dubrovnik, 3 nights in Trogir, 2 nights in Plitvice, 4 nights in Rovinj, then onto Ljubljana. From there our friends will fly home, and my husband and I will go to Lake Bled, and Trieste and then take a bus to Venice from where we will fly to Amsterdam. Does this sound doable?

neckervd

So, you decided to take the bus between Dubvovnik and Split.
Everything is feasible, of course.
There are direct buses from Ljubljana to Marco Polo airport. But from Trieste, I would rather take the train up to Mestre and then the local airport bus.

sueger

Thanks for your input..yes we will take the bus from Dubrovnik to Split. Would still like to go to Korkula but wonder what is the best way to see things once we are there since we won't have a car.

kja

I agree that your plan sounds doable.

Korcula could be a bit difficult as a day trip from Dubrovnik, as I'm not sure the bus schedule allows it. If you want to visit Korcula -- and it is worth seeing IMO! -- you might want to plan on a night there.

BTW, 4 nights is a LOT for Dubrovnik, so shifting one night to Korcula makes sense. Otherwise, you might consider shifting a night to Trogir, as there is a lot to do in and around Split.

You won't need a car until you leave Trogir, and should have no difficulty picking one up on the outskirts of Split.

dugi_otok

The MB Kapetan Luka TP ferry sailing schedule for May:

http://www.krilo.hr/en/sailing_schedule.html

Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
North to South
Dubrovnik 16:30
Mljet 17:45
Korcula 18:20
Hvar 19:35
Brac 20:15
Split 20:50

South to North
Split 7:40
Brac 8:10
Hvar 8:45
Korcula 10:00
Mljet 10:40
Dubrovnik 12:00

Options to see Korcula

1.Mon or Fri- Ferry from Dubrovnik(leaves4:30pm), Arrives Korcula (6:20pm). Stay 1 night.Spend the day in Korcula. then in evening take Ferry from Korcula(Leaves 6:20pm), Arrives Split(8:50pm).

2.Sun,Mon,Thu, Fri- Take a morning Bus/Ferry Dubrovnik to Korcula.Stay 1 night.Spend the day in Korcula. Then in evening take Ferry from Korcula(Leaves 6:20pm), Arrives Split(8:50pm).

3.Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
A day trip by ferry from Split
Ferry leaves Split at 7:40am, Arrives Korcula 10:00am.Then in evening take Ferry from Korcula(Leaves 6:20pm), Arrives Split(8:50pm).

As an alternative you could take a day trip to Hvar.
Ferry leaves Split at 7:40am, Arrives Hvar 8:45am. Then in evening take Ferry from Hvar(Leaves 7:35pm), Arrives Split(8:50pm).